The speaker highlights the importance of empathy when dealing with individuals who may be facing their first performance review. They mention providing training, such as Elevate with Lindsay, to empower managers in giving feedback effectively. The speaker advises careful planning for the next performance review cycle, considering outward-facing tasks and ensuring enough space for the process. They also humorously caution about the tendency for surveys to close on a specified day, suggesting managers be aware of potential delays in submission.